Dubai Sets Conditions for 5-Year Green Residency Permit

The Dubai government has announced four specific requirements for foreign nationals seeking a five-year green residency permit, which allows skilled workers to reside in the United Arab Emirates without needing an employer or guarantor. The details are available on the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFAD) website.

The permit is renewable for additional five-year terms under the same conditions. To qualify, applicants must: 1) obtain a work permit under a valid work contract; 2) be classified as a skilled worker at the first, second, or third level according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation; 3) hold at least a bachelor's degree or equivalent; and 4) earn a minimum monthly salary of 15,000 dirhams (approximately ₦6.6 million).

This salary threshold is a firm requirement, meaning applicants earning below this amount will not qualify, regardless of their qualifications or job classification. The residency arrangement offers greater flexibility compared to standard UAE residency, as it does not tie the worker's legal stay to a single employer.